Thanks a lot for your quick reply. Few queries: 1) If I understood correctly, I will have no additional taxation if I am selling the Shares and Mutual fund, once I am in Resident Indian status and a LTCG of 10% will be cal calculated. But I was planning to invest in ETF in which I will be doing Swing trading, I wanted to know what is the tax implication on that being an NRI? 2) NRE FD is good option with tax free investement , but I came across the term that if your NRI status changes to resident , the resident interest rate and taxation will be calculated. This becomes a loss for me if I change my status in 1-2 years. I was thinking to invest in FD of small finavlce banks with 9% interest. Anyways taxation is 10% above 40000 interest earned. Your suggestions please. Thanks

Ans: The status of FY2020-21 would be NRI and the status in FY2021-22 would be RNOR (Resident but not ordinarily resident). So you need to convert the NRE to resident account immediately after returning to India. If you fail to convert your NRE account within 3 months of the return, it will be considered as a violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and attract a penalty.

After you return to India, any interest earned on NRE account will be taxable. You can opt to transfer your funds from NRE account to RFC account upon return

Though there are no specific products for returning NRIs, there are a whole range of investment options available for you apart from Bank Deposits. The most common are mutual funds, bonds, stocks, insurance, etc. You can choose to invest based on factors that suit you including risk, return, liquidity, etc. Options like PPF that are not available for NRIs become available when your status changes to Resident Indian.

Ans: Investing for long term goals is always advantageous.
Investing through NRE account is advisable.

Ans: I appreciate your detailed overview of your financial situation and your proactive approach to investing. Let's address each of your queries systematically to ensure we cover all aspects comprehensively.

1. Taxation on Shares and Mutual Funds: As an NRI, capital gains tax rules apply to your investments in shares and mutual funds in India. For equity investments held for over one year, long-term capital gains (LTCG) are taxed at 10% without indexation. For mutual funds, equity-oriented funds are treated similarly. However, if you become a resident Indian again, you'll be taxed as per the applicable resident Indian tax laws. Increasing your SIPs by 5-10% annually is a prudent strategy, especially considering your long-term investment horizon and the power of compounding. Regarding international funds, they can provide diversification benefits, especially during periods of rupee depreciation, but ensure you understand the associated risks before investing.

2. Investment in Fixed Deposits and Government Bonds: As an NRI, you are eligible to invest in fixed deposits and government bonds in India. Interest earned on fixed deposits is taxable in India, subject to applicable tax laws. Government bonds also carry tax implications, but specific rules depend on the type of bond and your residential status. Given your current location in Saudi Arabia, consider exploring NRI-specific investment options like NRE or NRO fixed deposits, which offer tax benefits and repatriation flexibility.


3. Investment Strategy: Diversification is key to a well-rounded investment portfolio. Equity investments offer long-term growth potential, while debt instruments like PPF provide stability and tax benefits. Considering your risk appetite and investment goals, continue your SIPs in equity mutual funds, but ensure you have an adequate emergency fund in place. Explore options like international funds for global exposure and consider increasing exposure to debt instruments for capital preservation.

4. Investment Considerations for NRIs: As an NRI, it's essential to stay informed about regulatory changes and tax implications related to your investments in India. Additionally, consider factors like currency risk, repatriation restrictions, and geopolitical developments when making investment decisions. Regularly review your portfolio and consult with a financial advisor to optimize your investment strategy based on changing market dynamics.


5. Early Retirement Planning: Achieving early retirement requires careful financial planning and disciplined saving and investing. Start by setting clear retirement goals, estimating your future expenses, and determining the required corpus. Maximize contributions to tax-efficient retirement accounts like EPF, PPF, and NPS. Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to growth-oriented assets like equity mutual funds to generate inflation-beating returns over the long term. Regularly reassess your retirement plan and adjust your investment strategy as needed to stay on track towards your retirement goals.

By following a systematic approach to investing, staying informed about regulatory changes, and regularly reviewing your financial plan, you can work towards achieving financial stability and early retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: The statement you found is mostly correct. Here's a breakdown of tax implications for NRIs in India:

Basic Exemption Limit:

Yes, NRIs are eligible for a basic exemption limit of ?2.5 lakhs on their total taxable income earned in India during a financial year. This means if your income from Indian sources (including bank deposits, shares, mutual funds, but excluding PPF interest) is less than ?2.5 lakhs, you generally don't need to pay taxes or file an income tax return in India.
Taxable Income for NRIs:

Interest income earned on NRO accounts is taxable in India.
Dividend income from Indian companies is generally taxable in India at a rate of 20% (plus surcharge and cess if applicable).
Capital gains from selling shares or equity mutual funds in India are taxable depending on the type and holding period of the investment.
Rental income from property in India is taxable.
NRIs and PPF:

NRIs cannot open new PPF accounts, but they can continue to contribute to existing PPF accounts opened while they were resident Indians.
The good news is that interest income earned on PPF and the maturity amount are completely tax-free for everyone, regardless of residential status.
Filing Income Tax Returns:

Even if your total income is below ?2.5 lakhs, you might still need to file an income tax return in India if you want to claim a tax refund on TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) deducted from your income, such as on interest from NRO accounts.
NRIs are advised to consult with a qualified tax advisor or chartered accountant familiar with NRI taxation to determine their filing requirements and tax liabilities.
In summary, while the ?2.5 lakh limit is a general guideline, it's important to consider all your income sources in India and the specific tax treatment of each to determine your tax filing obligations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in